What makes Colin Meloy Sings Live! by Colin Meloy notable?

This album is significant as it highlights Meloy's storytelling prowess while capturing the essence of his live performances. It received positive reviews from critics, noting its intimate atmosphere, and it has become a favorite among fans seeking a deeper connection to his music. When Colin Meloy Sings Live! was released in 2008, Meloy was riding the wave of success from his band The Decemberists, known for their theatrical and literary approach to indie rock. This live album followed the band's critically acclaimed release, The Crane Wife (2006), showcasing Meloy's solo artistry and ability to connect with audiences in a stripped-down format.

How many songs are on Colin Meloy Sings Live!?

Colin Meloy Sings Live! has 17 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

Colin Meloy Sings Live!

Colin Meloy · 2008

74 min · 17 tracks · indie rock

Intimate performances blend Colin Meloy's storytelling with raw acoustic arrangements, inviting listeners into a heartfelt musical journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Engine Driver — This track exemplifies Meloy's narrative style, blending poignant lyrics with a memorable melody that resonates deeply during live performances.
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California One / Youth and Beauty Brigade / Ask — Spanning over twelve minutes, this medley showcases Meloy's ability to weave together multiple themes, highlighting his lyrical depth and engaging storytelling.
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Red Right Ankle — This song stands out for its vulnerability, as Meloy captures a moment of deep introspection that resonates powerfully in an acoustic setting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Meloy's intimate storytelling and acoustic arrangements create a heartfelt live experience.

What we noticed

Many tracks are stripped down to just guitar and vocals, emphasizing the raw emotional delivery of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Devil's Elbow 4:17
2 We Both Go Down Together 3:10
3 Evoking a Campfire Singalong 0:48
4 The Gymnast, High Above the Ground 6:43
5 Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect / Dreams 4:55
6 Dracula's Daughter 2:41
7 Wonder 3:01
8 A Brief Introduction to Shirley Collins 1:46
9 Barbara Allen 3:28
10 The Engine Driver 3:54
11 On the Bus Mall 5:59
12 A Skull, a Ship and a Sheep 1:54
13 California One / Youth and Beauty Brigade / Ask 12:22
14 The Bachelor and the Bride 4:10
15 A Cautionary Song 3:43
16 Red Right Ankle 4:17
17 Bandit Queen 6:45

What to play next

Listen next

Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke

2008

Go back to

Colin Meloy Sings trad. arr. Shirley Collins

2006

Full Colin Meloy discography Artists like Colin Meloy

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata